Slayer

Widely regarded as the ultimate thrash metal band, Slayer did much to introduce and establish the genre throughout the 1980s, alongside fellow Los Angeles natives Metal-lica and Megadeth, and New York’s Anthrax — collectively known as the Big Four. As the most extreme and lyrically controversial member of that exclusive musical club, Slayer at first attracted a relatively modest (but devout) fan base until breaking through to a broader audience with their monumental third album, 1986’s ‘Reign in Blood.’ The band proceeded to consolidate its dominant place in the heavy metal pantheon over the second half of that decade; and, unlike most peers, refused to alter its core sound throughout the more challenging 1990s. As the third millennium dawned, Slayer read-mitted original drummer Dave Lombardo and enjoyed a renewed period of recording and touring prosperity, leading up to 2013 and the drummer’s latest departure, just months prior to the shocking death of founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman. Nevertheless, remaining founding members, Kerry King (guitar) and Tom Araya (vocals/bass) show no signs of retiring Slayer, which is now rounded out by former Exodus guitarist Gary Holt and returning drummer Paul Bostaph.